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Darwinian evolution - still a theory in crisis.

Warden_of_the_Storm

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Thanks for the QED.

I'll take it with a grain of salt then, when I hear what creationism is not.

If academia wants to claim "that's not the way God did it," they'd sure better have something else to replace it with that doesn't contradict the Scriptures.

But that's not 'academia' saying it. You're railing on people's personal opinions, not a scientific view.

But thanks for the continuing QED of you labelling anything and everything you personally dislike and oppose as 'academia'.
 
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The Barbarian

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For example, you made a claim about information in biological systems. I showed you a very simple way that it works. You ignored it, apparently, as "technical layers." If you can't even grasp how information works, how can you hope to discuss it?
I did make a claim about irreducible complexity,
More specifically, you made a claim about information. I showed you in detail how it originates in a population genome and you suddenly stopped mentioning it.

I asked for a clear, step-by-step explanation for how such systems could arise gradually, with each stage being both functional and advantageous.
And I showed you how one such irreducibly complex enzyme system was observed to evolve. I asked you specifically how the new enzyme system and regulator did not meet Behe's definition of irreducible complexity and you declined to answer. For reasons that seem obvious.

1. bacteria can't metabolize substrate
2. mutation converts enzyme so that it can (sort of) metabolize subtrate
3. more mutations improve efficiency of enzyme
4. mutation produces regulator so that the enzyme is not produced if the substrate is not present.
5. The newly-evolved system requires the enzyme, substrate, and regulator in order to function. It is now a single system composed of several well-matched, interacting parts that contribute to the basic function, wherein the removal of any one of the parts causes the system to effectively cease functioning.

Both you and I know that you have a naturalist slant when it comes to science.
Science is, after all, methodologically naturalistic. So is plumbing. A plumber who is also a believer would probably admit the possibility of clogged pipes being caused by demons of blockage, but would still take a naturalistic approach to dealing with the problem. Here, you seem to be confusing methodological naturalism with ontological naturalism.

(suggests that evolutionary theory says evolution is limitless)

Darwin himself showed that evolution was not limitless. Again, you'd be more effective arguing against biology if you understood it.

Then we’re in agreement that evolution has limits.
I even gave you an example. Most people who think they hate evolution, don't know what it is.
So, the real question is: where are those limits?
Extra set of limbs on a tetrapod, for example. Transitional stages for any evolved trait must be at least neutral in selective value.

And can step-by-step mutations, with each stage being functional and selected for, truly account for the origin of entirely new, interdependent biological systems like the circulatory system or flagellum?
Yep. Since I've already given you some reading on the evolution of prokaryote flagella, let's look at the circulatory system. What step in the evolution of a circulatory system from a simple coelomate to an advanced vertebrate, do you claim is impossible? Be specific. If you don't know how circulatory systems work in all cases,this might help you:

1751632357554.png

What steps in these systems do you think would be impossible to evolve, and what is your evidence for this? If you find this a bit technical, you might want to get a copy of Leonard Radinsky's The Evolution of Vertebrate Design to get a more accessible description.

There's also a very good stepwise set of transitionals showing the evolution of tetrapod legs, as mentioned by Dr. Wise.

Quoting a single YEC scientist who finds one fossil series compelling doesn’t prove the case.

Turns out, he mentions many fossil series to be very good evidence. His acknowledgement of the fact is not the evidence. The evidence is the evidence. Would you like to see the known steps in the evolution of tetrapod legs?

Where is the actual step-by-step genetic pathway showing how random mutations built entirely new structures like limbs

They aren't "entirely new"; they evolved from fins in fish. As Dr. Wise points out, the transitional forms in the fossil record shows how this came about, but there is a great deal of genetics supporting that. And transitional forms still exist today, such as the limb-like fins of coelacanths and lungfish.


Nature 17 April 2013

The African coelacanth genome provides insights into tetrapod evolution

Current Biology Volume 31, Issue 22, 22 November 2021

Genetic basis for an evolutionary shift from ancestral preaxial to postaxial limb polarity in non-urodele vertebrates


To be honest, I’m getting bored of this conversation.
Unfortunate. You seem to have learned a great deal, and we got to debunk a lot of creationist stories herein.

I’ve asked for clear, direct evidence
And you've tried to hand-wave it all away when shown to you. We expect that. But others here will see it and perhaps take away some greater understanding of the way evolution works.
If this is the best evolution has to offer, it’s no wonder so many people remain unconvinced.
It's significant that acceptance of evolution and common descent is strongest among people who know most about biology. As you see, given the evidence, a majority of mainline Christians accept evolution.

You were taught a lot of false things about evolution and evolutionary theory. Why not do a little investigation and see for yourself?

 
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The Barbarian

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Though he is coming at it from the wrong angle. Just because something should be able to be explained in simple terms does not mean it's capable of doing so, nor does it mean that it's not... let's use the term settled for now.

The inability for someone to understand something clearly does not mean that it's not sound science.
It's like my wife explaining to me how insurance plans work. I can sort of get the gist of it, but she spent a career handling authorizations for a medical school, and she has a lawyer's mind for rules and policies that I can't hope to fully understand. I know my limitations, and I wouldn't presume to tell her how policies and government rules interact.
 
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The Barbarian

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As I pointed out earlier, we're talking at cross purposes with him. Just look at what his concern is in what you replied to. It's not about empirical evidence, it's about logical demonstration. Creationists are almost invariably rationalists epistemically, convinced by conceivability arguments rather than empirical ones.
Yeah, that seems to be the case.

YEC "Mr. Scientist, why don't you accept my carefully-crafted reasoning about biology?"

Scientist: "It doesn't work."

YEC: "Mr. Scientist, why do you persist in using evidence and inductive reasoning that doesn't permit absolute proof?"

Scientist: "It works."

(YEC walks off, muttering to himself)
 
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sjastro

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This chart is a nice historical overview of how tools and observations in biology have advanced, but it doesn’t actually demonstrate Darwinian evolution. It shows how evidence is interpreted through the assumption of naturalism and common ancestry. But major challenges, like the origin of new information, irreducibly complex systems, and massive gaps in the fossil record, remain unaddressed. Listing more tools and observations doesn’t solve those problems.
This is a woefully ignorant comment typical of creationists.
Evolution like science in general is not exclusively in the domain of interpreting evidence but is also falsifiable where predictions are made that either supports evolution or shows it is incomplete rather than wrong as the supportive evidence is overwhelming.
To make this clearer here is the table structured to show the predictions and the supportive evidence.

Time PeriodTest MethodPrediction Tested by EvolutionPrediction Confirmed?Specific Supporting Evidence
1850sComparative AnatomySpecies with shared ancestry will show structural similarities✅ YesMammalian forelimbs (bat wings, whale flippers, human arms) share the same bone arrangement
1859Naturalistic ObservationOrganisms will adapt to local environments via natural selection✅ YesGalápagos finch beak variation linked to diet; observed environmental adaptation
1860s–1900sPaleontology (Fossil Record)Transitional forms between major groups should exist✅ YesArchaeopteryx (bird–reptile), Tiktaalik (fish–tetrapod), Australopithecus (ape–human)
1900sMendelian GeneticsVariation and heredity are needed for natural selection✅ YesMendel’s pea experiments demonstrated predictable inheritance patterns
1910s–1930sPopulation GeneticsPopulations will evolve predictably based on allele frequency changes✅ YesHardy–Weinberg law, peppered moth allele frequencies tracked during industrial pollution
1953DNA Structure & Molecular BiologyAll life will share a common molecular basis✅ YesUniversal genetic code; DNA composed of A, T, G, C in all organisms
1960sProtein SequencingMore closely related species will have more similar proteins✅ YesCytochrome c and hemoglobin sequences show 98% identity between humans and chimps
1970sRadiometric DatingEvolutionary transitions will occur in chronological order✅ YesDinosaur fossils predate birds; fish fossils predate amphibians
1970sCladistics & PhylogeneticsOrganisms should group into nested hierarchies✅ YesDNA-based phylogenies of primates and mammals match morphology-based trees
1980sDNA HybridizationGenetic similarity correlates with relatedness✅ YesDNA melting-point comparisons showed humans closer to chimps than gorillas
1990sAncient DNA & PCRModern and extinct humans should share significant DNA✅ YesNeanderthal genome shares ~1–4% with modern Eurasian humans
2001–presentWhole Genome SequencingCommon ancestry predicts extensive DNA homology✅ YesHuman–chimp genome is ~98.8% identical; shared pseudogenes like vitamin C gene (GULO)
2000s–presentEvo-Devo (Evolutionary Development)Shared developmental pathways in distant species✅ YesHox genes control body plans in insects and vertebrates; conserved across taxa
2010s–presentCRISPR & Functional GenomicsPredicts testable functions for homologous genes✅ YesKnockout of conserved genes (e.g. Pax6) disrupts eye formation in flies, mice, and humans
OngoingExperimental EvolutionEvolution should occur under selective pressure✅ YesLenski’s E. coli evolved ability to metabolize citrate after ~30,000 generations
OngoingComparative EpigenomicsRegulatory evolution will explain complex traits beyond gene content✅ YesDifferences in limb length and brain development due to enhancer changes in human–chimp comparison
 
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AV1611VET

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Yeah, that seems to be the case.

YEC "Mr. Scientist, why don't you accept my carefully-crafted reasoning about biology?"

Scientist: "It doesn't work."

YEC: "Mr. Scientist, why do you persist in using evidence and inductive reasoning that doesn't permit absolute proof?"

Scientist: "It works."

(YEC walks off, muttering to himself)

I'd say that's what a YEC gets for "carefully crafting a reason about biology" and submitting it to a scientist.

If the scientist is a born-again scientist, dedicated to a literal translation of the Bible, he will show it either right or wrong, without contradicting the Bible.

Any other scientist will show it right or wrong by contracting the Bible.
 
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BCP1928

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I will not answer that. See, if I said I had higher education in biology than most here, then that would be an arrogant argument from authority. So, "I know more than you, and so you should listen to me". I wouldn’t want to do that.
We re trying to discover how to best communicate the answers to you. We are trying to answer your questions, have given you answers but you blow off ev everything we try to tell you and repeat the same demands for answers over and over. Part of the problem may be that you lack background information. That's why it might be useful to understand what you background is so we can he;p out. Framing answers to someone with a college degree is going to be rather different than framing answers for a high school graduate.
If I said I had less formal education, yet I’m still pointing out problems like irreducible complexity, and asking for clear, step-by-step evolutionary pathways where every stage is functional and advantageous, and those questions remain unanswered by people with degrees, then, that would be embarrassing those who claim to have degrees in this field.
Except they know that the question you ask have answers, and are willing to explain it to you. We also need some help from you. For example, Bradskii gave you the basic equation for Information Theory when you were making an argument about information, but you never responded to it or enter into a discussion about it so we don't know if you understood it or thought it was wrong or what. If you want to learn how the creation of information works in evolution you have to start there build on it. 50 pages? Before you get through this it might be 500.
 
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The Barbarian

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I'd say that's what a YEC gets for "carefully crafting a reason about biology" and submitting it to a scientist.
Science is pragmatic. If a method works at learning more about the world, it's used. If not, it's not used. Doesn't matter how pretty it is.

If the scientist is a born-again scientist, dedicated to a literal translation of the Bible, he will show it either right or wrong, without contradicting the Bible.
Biblical pilpul is not part of science. Can't be.

Any other scientist will show it right or wrong by contracting the Bible.
So far, nothing found by science contradicts the Bible. Much of science contradicts the YEC re-interpretations of the Bible. But that's not something God or science are responsible for.
 
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trophy33

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So far, nothing found by science contradicts the Bible. Much of science contradicts the YEC re-interpretations of the Bible. But that's not something God or science are responsible for.
Primordial waters, the firmament, stars in the firmament, the tower to heavens...?
 
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BCP1928

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Yeah, I wasn't sure exactly how to put that because the idea of chance doesn't really make sense when we're talking about such things, but without a deliberate Creator I fail to see how we can ascribe it to anything else.
Why do we have to? Evolution, as you re well aware, is an orderly process. It seems not to require outside intervention at the level of contingent causality. Some theists and some athiests take the position that evolution is bereft of divine Providence, but is not a necessary conclusion.
For me, I always struggled with the ideas because I was convinced that I had to choose on some level. I nearly abandoned my faith, but no one could answer my one question I had whenever someone would propose that we shouldn't accept things on faith. Why not? Ironically, what broke the whole thing open for me was The Selfish Gene where I saw the man behnd the curtain as the whole thing struck me as extremely conjectural. As I have deepened my faith and my belief in the Bible, I have grown more and more comfortable accepting without imposition that evolution is the best explanation for the diversity of life on the planet, but I wouldn't consider myself aligned with atheists simply because I agree with them on one issue. There are simply too many epistemic, moral, and ontological issues in the mix and my primary loyalty is to Christ and not to any subordinate thing like science.
Why would you be required to "align with atheists" on any other issues?
 
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AV1611VET

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Science is pragmatic.

Then treat it as such.

Don't push your junk products on the general population prematurely and cause death, deformation, and disasters.

Don't rig votes to get your agendas fulfilled.

Respect your calling, and treat it as a gift from God to be used for His glory.

Not against Him.

If a method works at learning more about the world, it's used.

Good.

If not, it's not used. Doesn't matter how pretty it is.

It's when it's abused that problems occur.

Biblical pilpul is not part of science.

Then it runs the risk of being wrong -- even incurring God's wrath.

Can't be.

I'm sure academians can find a way to incorporate God into their paradigms,

If they can kick Him out, they can welcome Him in.

So far, nothing found by science contradicts the Bible.

Well ... I know which side of the bread your butter is on.

Much of science contradicts the YEC re-interpretations of the Bible.

No argument there, with the exception of your word "re-interpretations."

But that's not something God or science are responsible for.

If God calls a man into the pulpit, he is responsible for honoring God to the public.

If God calls a man into the laboratory, he is responsible for honoring God to the public.
 
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NxNW

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So far, nothing found by science contradicts the Bible. Much of science contradicts the YEC re-interpretations of the Bible. But that's not something God or science are responsible for.
The fossil record is not consistent with all life forms being created at once.
 
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The Barbarian

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The fossil record is not consistent with all life forms being created at once.
God doesn't say they were all created at once. Most Christians don't even think the "days" of Genesis are actual time periods.
 
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Ophiolite

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Saying "We don't know yet" is a perfectly legitimate, serious and truthful answer.
Arguably it is a key foundation of science. What interests scientists isn't what they know, but what they don't know. Otherwise they wouldn't be scientists, merely observers of existing information. This is difficult for those distant from science to understand.
 
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The Barbarian

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Why do we have to? Evolution, as you re well aware, is an orderly process. It seems not to require outside intervention at the level of contingent causality. Some theists and some athiests take the position that evolution is bereft of divine Providence.
Have you read what St. Thomas Aquinas wrote about Divine Providence and necessity vs. contingency?
 
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AV1611VET

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Otherwise they wouldn't be scientists, merely observers of existing information.

They wouldn't make serious mistakes either, would they?
 
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The Barbarian

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They wouldn't make serious mistakes either, would they?
It's as easy to make observational errors as it is to make erroneous inferences. The key in science is reproducabiliy. Results, if they can't be replicated, are not valid.
 
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AV1611VET

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It's as easy to make observational errors as it is to make erroneous inferences. The key in science is reproducabiliy. Results, if they can't be replicated, are not valid.

Can results be replicated and still serious mistakes* occur?

If so, what does validity have to do with it?

* Oh, I'm sorry, you plutoed "serious mistakes" to "observational errors." My bad.
 
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